10 Cheapest Places to Buy a Home in Ohio

Looking for an affordable place to call home in Ohio? These ten budget-friendly cities offer low-cost housing, a great quality of life, and plenty of opportunities to thrive!

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 4 min read
10 Cheapest Places to Buy a Home in Ohio
Anthony Reungère from Unsplash

Ohio boasts some of the most affordable cities in the nation, with cheap housing without a compromise on quality of life. From the renewed city vibe of Youngstown to the picturesque lakefront charm of Ashtabula, these ten cities have a combination of low cost of living, employment opportunities, and special local attractions. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or searching for an affordable place to call home, Ohio has numerous undiscovered gems that can be found.

1. Youngstown

Image from Britannica Image from Britannica

With a median house value of $60,226, Youngstown is one of the least expensive cities in Ohio. The cost of living is roughly 25.6% lower than that of the country as a whole, making it a desirable option for those on a budget. The city is also being revitalized both culturally and economically, adding to its desirability.

2. Niles

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Niles provides a median home price of $121,573 and a median rent of $835, making it an affordable option for buyers and renters alike. The cost of living is roughly 25.2% lower than the national cost of living, so residents can live comfortably without paying an arm and a leg. Its proximity to larger cities makes it that much more convenient.

3. Toledo

Image from toledo.oh.gov Image from toledo.oh.gov

Toledo’s median home price is $121,511, with rent at approximately $975, providing affordable housing in a lively city. The cost of living is 22.6% below the national average, making it simpler to cover daily expenses. Toledo, being a port city, offers plenty of job opportunities and cultural events.  

4. Steubenville

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With a median home price of $123,383 and rents at $700 on average, Steubenville is an affordable city. The cost of living is 25.8% lower than the national average, so residents can make their dollars go further. With its historic downtown and schools, it has a quaint small-town atmosphere.

5. Akron

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Akron has a median home price of $132,396 and a mean rent of $1,000, which is an affordable city. The cost of living is 19.2% less than the country’s average, and medical care costs are significantly 12.8% lower than average. It has large employers such as GOJO Industries and FirstEnergy that have a secure job market.

6. Sandusky

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Sandusky provides a median home price of $138,903 and rents of about $1,263, and it is a coastal city with low housing prices. The cost of living is 23% below the national average, and housing is 74.8% below average. It is referred to as the “Best Coastal Small Town” in America and has scenic views and numerous recreational activities.

7. Canton

Image from www.cantonohio.gov Image from www.cantonohio.gov

With a median house value of $161,184 and rents at an average of $975, Canton is a reasonable place to reside. The cost of living is 21.3% lower than the country’s average, and the cost of transportation is 26.4% lower. Canton has rich sports history and cultural landmarks as the birthplace of the NFL and location of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

8. Ashtabula

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Ashtabula’s median home price is $142,368, with rent approximately $950, making it an affordable lakeside town. The cost of living is 26.5% below the national average, resulting in substantial savings on everyday expenses. Its Lake Erie location provides residents with scenic waterfront views and outdoor recreational activities.

9. Mansfield

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Mansfield provides a median home price of $137,654 and rents of $850 on average, making it an affordable mid-city. The cost of living is 24.1% below the national average, and housing expenses are 74.6% lower. Its close location to big cities such as Columbus and Cleveland gives residents plenty of career options and city amenities.

10. Warren

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With a median home price of $112,820 and rent at approximately $950, Warren is an affordable option for buyers and renters. The cost of living is 25.2% below the national average, making it easy to live a comfortable life on a modest income. The city boasts amusement parks, museums, and natural beauty, providing residents with a wealth of activities.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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